Lionel Messi Unveiled to Rapturous Crowd at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.
In a thrilling event at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium, the new signing Lionel Messi was officially presented to an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd of approximately 20,000 fans. Despite enduring heavy downpours and lightning, supporters eagerly awaited the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as he donned the number 10 shirt.
Addressing the crowd briefly in Spanish, the 36-year-old Messi expressed his gratitude to the fans and conveyed his unwavering passion for the game. The World Cup-winning Argentina forward has joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) club on a contract until the end of 2025. He will also reunite with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, who has signed with Miami until 2025 and was also unveiled during the Sunday night event.
Arriving on the pitch via a grand catwalk, Messi was introduced as “America’s number 10, the world’s best number 10.” In video messages, NFL’s seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady and NBA’s four-time champion Stephen Curry extended their warm welcome to Messi as he embarks on his journey in the United States.
Expressing his eagerness to start training and competing, Messi emphasized his commitment to winning and helping the club grow. He expressed his joy in choosing to play in Miami with his family and embracing the project, confidently anticipating a fruitful and enjoyable experience.
The DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, serving as Inter Miami’s temporary home, has a capacity of 18,000, making it the joint-smallest stadium in MLS alongside San Jose Earthquakes’ PayPal Park in California. To accommodate more fans, a temporary grandstand has been erected.
Having departed French champions Paris St-Germain at the end of the 2022-23 season after a successful two-year stint, where he scored 32 goals in 75 games, Messi turned down lucrative offers from other countries to join the US league. This move marks the first time he will play for a non-European club.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham expressed his delight, calling Messi’s signing a “dream come true.” American billionaire Jorge Mas, the primary owner of Inter Miami, hailed Messi as “the best player ever to don boots.”
Messi is expected to make his debut for Miami against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul on July 21 in their opening match of the Leagues Cup. Additionally, he will reunite with his former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino, who was appointed as the club’s manager in June after the departure of Phil Neville.
